The Beech Hut, Near Sopley

Check into this blue-and-white-painted hut and your neighbours will be beech trees, fruit bushes (it’s on a PYO farm), barn owls and deer. A kitchen, shower space and toilet provide basic comforts, while reclaimed oak floors and an oval door add crafty rustic touches. There’s also a small, separate, campsite nearby.
• 01348 830922, qualityunearthed.co.uk. Sleeps 4, from £435 a week

Hideaway Cottage, Damerham

On the western edge of the New Forest national park, this painted timber cottage is like a grown-up doll’s house, its largely white interior peppered with polka dots, pink floral china and candy-stripe curtains. No surprise, then, that it caters brilliantly for families with babies and pre-schoolers, providing everything from sterillisers to changing mats. It’s also popular with couples, with an outside fireplace on the deck for enjoying late summer evenings.
• 07881 878353, newforest-hideawaycottage.com. Sleeps 4, from £850 a week

The Long Barn, Boldre

Set on a 180-acre organic farm, this is one of two timber-and-brick barn conversions separated by a sleeping loft (for a further four “agile people”); rent them together and it’s ideal for a big family gathering (of up to 16) or just take the Long Barn and enjoy its underfloor heating, custom-built kitchen and smart contemporary bathroom. Guests can pick their own veg from the kitchen garden and help themselves to freshly laid eggs.
• No phone, warbornefarm.co.uk. Sleeps 6, from £495 a week
Pets allowed

Dairy Cottage, Ibsley

Followers of Grand Designs will recognise this chic, family-friendly house rental from an early series. Rebuilt after a fire, it’s as sensitive to the environment as it is big on style, with solar heating, thatched roofing, exposed timber and slate bathrooms. Go for a bike ride or join the New Forest bus tour at nearby Ringwood; hop on and off between walks before ending up back at the town’s brewery – bus tourists get a discount in its shop.
• 020-3603 1160, babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk. Sleeps 4, from £895 a week

Ivy Roost Cottage, East Boldre

Book this 400-year-old cob and thatch hideaway in the south-east corner of the national park and you’ll get to enjoy its award-winning garden (with hot tub) and birdwatcher-friendly roof terrace. It’s not fully wheelchair- accessible as the main living space is on the first floor, but a ground-floor bedroom and bathroom (level with the kitchen, dining room and outdoor terrace) suit limited-mobility guests.
• 07788 871609, premiercottages.co.uk. Sleeps 9, from £1,165 a week

Looking for the perfect cottage? Visit Guardian Holidays to browse The Guardian’s selection of cottages, in partnership with cottages.com